Year: 1980
Runtime: 100 min
Language: English
Director: Jay Sandrich
A writer's life takes a chaotic turn when he’s unexpectedly embroiled in a bank robbery and must flee. Seeking refuge, he turns to his ex-wife Glenda, a compassionate lawyer. However, her home holds unexpected complications: Glenda is now married to a rigid district attorney who’s hosting a party for law enforcement, putting Nick in a precarious and hilarious situation.
Get a spoiler-free look at Seems Like Old Times (1980) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a breezy stretch of California’s coastline, a struggling writer finds his quiet routine blown apart by a sudden brush with criminal chaos. When a botched bank robbery forces him onto the run, he retreats to the only place that feels familiar enough to hide: the seaside cabin of a longtime friend. The film’s tone is light‑hearted and fast‑paced, letting absurdity ripple through every misstep while the scenic backdrop of Big Sur adds a touch of mellow contrast to the unfolding pandemonium.
Seeking refuge, he turns to his former spouse, Glenda, a warm‑hearted public defender whose sharp legal mind is matched only by her lingering affection for the man she once loved. Their reunion is complicated the moment he arrives, as Glenda’s life has moved forward into a polished suburban existence with a new husband, Ira Parks, a meticulous district attorney whose ambitions are as lofty as his reputation for order. The contrast between Glenda’s compassionate chaos and Ira’s rigid propriety creates a fertile ground for witty tension, hinting at unresolved feelings and the inevitable clash of personalities.
Compounding matters, Ira is preparing a high‑profile gathering that will draw the city’s law‑enforcement elite to their Brentwood home. The setting becomes a pressure cooker of social propriety, legal gravitas, and hidden desperation, placing the fugitive writer in a precarious position where every whispered plea for help risks exposure. The film thrives on this blend of domestic comedy and near‑criminal intrigue, using the impending party as a sparkling backdrop for slapstick moments and cleverly timed misunderstandings.
As the evening approaches, the house hums with the promise of polished speeches and polished shoes, while beneath the surface a tangled web of past love, professional duty, and runaway uncertainty tightens. The audience is left to wonder whether Glenda’s loyalty will bend the rules enough to keep the storm at bay, or whether the night’s festivities will unleash a cascade of comedic mayhem that reshapes every relationship in the room.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:12
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Hilarious stories where someone on the run hides in a wildly inappropriate place.If you enjoyed the chaotic humor of Seems Like Old Times, you'll love these movies featuring fugitives causing domestic mayhem. This list includes similar screwball comedies and farces where someone hiding from the law creates hilarious tension among unsuspecting hosts, perfect for fans of lighthearted, fast-paced stories.
The narrative pattern involves a protagonist forced into hiding, triggering a series of close calls, mistaken identities, and comic deceptions. The story is propelled by the tension between the need to remain concealed and the increasingly difficult challenges of maintaining the charade, often culminating in a public unraveling and a resolution that clears the protagonist's name.
These films are grouped by their shared core premise of a 'fish out of water' fugitive, their fast-paced and farcical tone that prioritizes laughs over genuine tension, and the specific comedic structure of hiding in plain sight. They deliver a consistent experience of lighthearted chaos and frantic energy.
Fast-talking ex-lovers thrust into chaotic situations that rekindle their spark.Fans of the witty dynamics and romantic chaos in Seems Like Old Times will enjoy these screwball reunion stories. Discover movies where ex-couples are thrown back together by madcap circumstances, blending sharp dialogue, farcical plots, and a bittersweet yet hopeful look at second chances.
The journey typically begins with the ex-couple living separate, seemingly settled lives. A disruptive, often comedic incident throws them back together, forcing collaboration and reminding them of their chemistry. The plot tests their new circumstances against their old bond, leading to a conclusion that is open-ended or bittersweet, acknowledging the complexity of their history.
These films are united by the specific character dynamic of ex-lovers reunited, the blend of romantic tension with screwball comedy pacing, and a tone that is light yet infused with the poignant possibility of rekindled romance. They share a unique mix of verbal wit, physical comedy, and emotional nuance.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Seems Like Old Times in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Seems Like Old Times is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Seems Like Old Times, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Seems Like Old Times. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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Discover movies like Seems Like Old Times that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Seems Like Old Times (1980) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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